The Royal Ballet and Opera has joined forces with L’Oréal Paris in a historic sponsorship deal, naming the global cosmetics giant as its first-ever Official Beauty Partner for the 2026/27 Season.
Under the milestone agreement, L’Oréal Paris will supply its high-performance product lineup directly to the institution’s Wigs, Hair, and Make-Up department. The formulations were selected specifically to withstand the grueling, heat-intensive conditions of stage lighting and physical performance.
Celebrating the news, legendary Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Marianela Nuñez has been named the official face of the collaboration.
Backstage Pass: An Exclusive Look Behind the Curtain
To mark the launch, the two heritage brands will introduce a limited-edition public experience this autumn titled You’re Worth It: Beauty, Ballet and Behind the Scenes.
Inspired by real-life insights from Royal Ballet dancers, the immersive tour gives visitors rare access to backstage preparation areas at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Guests will trace the daily journey of world-class performers—from morning class and rigorous rehearsals to the final backstage hair and makeup transformation before curtain-up.
The behind-the-scenes tour concludes with Afternoon Tea in the historic Paul Hamlyn Hall and a complimentary gift package from L’Oréal Paris.
- Booking Details: Tickets open for public booking on Thursday, 1 October via the official Royal Ballet and Opera website.
- Pricing: Tickets are available for £100, with a sparkling afternoon tea upgrade offered at £115.
Leadership & Artist Perspectives
“It’s a great honour to be the face of The Royal Ballet and Opera’s first beauty partnership, and I’m incredibly excited to bring our two worlds together. I have long admired L’Oréal and its commitment to celebrating beauty in all its forms, and I can’t wait to share this special connection with you all.”
— Marianela Nuñez, Principal Dancer of The Royal Ballet
“This partnership brings together two globally recognised brands that share a belief in confidence, self-expression and excellence. From the artistry seen on stage to the dedication and craftsmanship behind the scenes, together we are creating new ways for audiences to connect with the magic of performance and celebrate the people who make it possible.”
— Sophie Wybrew-Bond, Chief Commercial Officer at the Royal Ballet and Opera
“We are immensely proud to partner with the Royal Ballet and Opera for the 2026/27 Season. At L’Oréal Paris, we believe that beauty is a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence. To be working alongside such an iconic institution and featuring the extraordinary Marianela Nuñez, is a true celebration of dedication, artistry, and the craft that brings world-class performances to life.”
— Laura Cross, General Manager for L’Oréal Paris UKI
Elevating the Craft of Stage Transformation
Throughout the 2026/27 season, the collaboration will extend beyond stage supply into exclusive digital content and behind-the-scenes storytelling. The initiatives aim to spotlight the unsung artistry, technical preparation, and backstage discipline required to bring world-class opera and ballet to life.